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Key Battles of American History by James Early
War has played a key role in the history of the United States from the nation’s founding right down to the present. Wars made the U. S. independent, kept it together, increased its size, and established it as a global superpower. Understanding America’s wars is essential for understanding American history. In the Key Battles of American History, host James Early discusses American history through the lens of the most important battles of America’s wars. James is an Adjunct Professor of History at San Jacinto College in Pasadena, TX. He has published one book and two scholarly articles. He is also the cohost (with Scott Rank) of the Presidential Fight Club, Key Battles of the Civil War, Key Battles of the Revolutionary War, and Key Battles of World War I podcasts.
This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/4747725/advertisement
This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/4747725/advertisement
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Command the Sea: The Naval War Through 1941
April 26, 2023 - 42 min
Naval combat played a major role throughout the European Theater of the Second World War. Without constant supply convoys from the United States to Great Britain and the Soviet Union, the Allies could not have defeated Hitler. But those convoys had to be protected from attacks by German U-boats and other warships. In this episode, Sean and James narrate the early years of the naval war around Europe, including the epic story of the search for and destruction of the massive German battleship Bismarck.This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/4747725/advertisement
Battle of Britain
April 22, 2023 - 51 min
In this episode, Sean and James discuss the 1969 movie Battle of Britain, which tells the gripping story of the fight for air supremacy over the United Kingdom.This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/4747725/advertisement
Their Finest Hour: The Battle of Britain
April 19, 2023 - 61 min
Having conquered most of Western Europe, Hitler was determined to invade the United Kingdom and bring it to its knees. But before the Germans could launch the invasion, they needed to crush the Royal Air Force. Accordingly, the Fuhrer ordered a bombing campaign on RAF bases throughout southern England, in a campaign that came to be known as the Battle of Britain. Join Sean and James as they narrate this pivotal battle of the early war.This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/4747725/advertisement
Dunkirk
April 15, 2023 - 52 min
As German forces swept through the Low Countries and France, about half a million Allied soldiers became trapped near the port city of Dunkirk. Between May 26 and June 4, the overwhelming majority were evacuated to Britain by British military and civilian vessels. In this episode, Sean and James discuss the 2017 movie Dunkirk, which tells the amazing story of the “Miracle of Dunkirk.”This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/4747725/advertisement
Disaster in the West: The Fall of the Low Countries and France
April 12, 2023 - 47 min
In May 1940, over three million German soldiers crossed Germany’s western border and quickly conquered the Netherlands, Belgium, and France. Germany implemented direct rule over part of France, while setting up the puppet regime of Vichy France to govern the rest. In the meantime, hundreds of British naval and civilian vessels evacuated over 300,000 trapped Allied soldiers to Britain, to fight another day. Britain was now the only nation left in the struggle against Germany. Join Sean and James as they narrate the fall of the Low Countries and France.This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/4747725/advertisement
Das Boot
April 8, 2023 - 53 min
The life of a German submarine crewman was filled with challenges, including cramped and dank quarters, poor food, and the constant threat of being spotted and attacked by Allied ships. 75% of German submarine crews eventually met their doom. The 1982 German film Das Boot takes you down under the water with one crew, providing a gripping account of the horrors of submarine warfare. Join Sean and James as they discuss this outstanding film.This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/4747725/advertisement
Blitzkrieg, Sitzkrieg, and the Winter War
April 5, 2023 - 45 min
In the fall of 1939, Germany and the Soviet Union signed the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, a peace treaty in which the two nations also agreed to divide Poland. Soon afterward, the German army invaded Poland, unveiling a new type of warfare that became known as “Blitzkrieg.” After the fall of Poland, Europe settled into an uneasy calm. Meanwhile, Soviet soldiers invaded Finland but met with fierce resistance. In this episode, Sean and James tell the story of Blitzkrieg, Sitzkrieg, and the Winter War between the USSR and Finland.This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/4747725/advertisement
Darkest Hour
April 1, 2023 - 66 min
Upon becoming Prime Minister of the UK in 1940, Winston Churchill’s first and greatest challenge was how to deal with the growing threat posed by Nazi Germany. Many key British leaders urged Churchill to make a peace deal with Germany, but Churchill refused. In this episode, Sean and James discuss the 2017 film Darkest Hour, starring Gary Oldman as Churchill, in an Academy-award winning performance.This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/4747725/advertisement
Peace in Our Time: German Aggression and the Failure of Appeasement
March 29, 2023 - 45 min
In March 1938, Germany declared its annexation of Austria. Soon after, Hitler demanded that the Sudetenland, an area of Czechoslovakia with a heavy German population, also be added to the Reich. On 15 September, Hitler met with the leaders of Great Britain and France, signing the Munich Agreement, in which the western Allies formally recognized Hitler’s territorial expansion. Hitler declared the Sudetenland to be "the last territorial demand I have to make in Europe." But was it? Join Sean and James and you will find out!This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/4747725/advertisement
The Gathering Storm
March 25, 2023 - 45 min
In this episode, Sean and James discuss the 2002 BBC made-for-TV movie The Gathering Storm, which tells the story of Winston Churchill’s return to power after several years in the political “wilderness” and his efforts to warn Parliament and the British government about the threat posed by Adolph Hitler. Albert Finney stars as Churchill.This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/4747725/advertisement
Meet Your Host
Meet Your Host
James is an Adjunct Professor of History at San Jacinto College in Pasadena, TX. He has published one book and two scholarly articles. He is also the cohost (with Scott Rank) of the Presidential Fight Club, Key Battles of the Civil War, Key Battles of the Revolutionary War, and Key Battles of World War I podcasts.
